Pride Barbados 2023 Launches with Ambitious Plans for Inclusive Celebrations and Advocacy

Pride Barbados officially launched its 2023 activities on June 2nd at UN House, setting the stage for upcoming Pride Month celebrations and a year of advocacy. The event received support from various stakeholders, including the United Nations in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, UNDP in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and a wide range of participants.

The launch event commenced with opening remarks by Karin Santi, Regional Team Leader, HIV and Health Group, UNDP Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Mr Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Ro-Ann Mohammed, a committee member of PRIDE Barbados, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of recognizing achievements while acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities.

During the event, Didi Winston, a community member, delivered a speech discussing the significance of Pride, and the Pride Calendar was unveiled, captivating both in-person and virtual attendees, and a performance piece by Jae Serieux added an artistic element to the proceedings. Michael Rapley, Chair of Equals Barbados and a committee member of PRIDE Barbados, highlighted recent advancements in the pursuit of equal rights. Rapley said: 

“During this Pride’s activities, I want us to celebrate these wins but also remember there is so much to be done. Negative attitudes towards the LGBT community from the general population still exist and the comment section from any media house on any LGBT issue can confirm this and no amount of legislation reform will fix it alone. The anti-LGBT movement is not resting and is even in progressive countries such as the US and the UK where trans rights are at risk and some African countries,” he said making reference to the anti-LGBT Law signed recently in Uganda.

“We must continue to be visible to agitate and fight for our rights. Inclusion and diversity are the underlying values for this year’s Pride and are the underlying values that drive the work that we do at Equals.”

The Pride Calendar, featuring a range of events such as a quiz night, a hike, a health and wellness fair, open mic poetry night, karaoke, and the highly anticipated Pride parade scheduled for June 25, was shared with attendees.



Nia Brathwaite, a member of the LGBTQ+ Constitutional Reform Coalition, delivered closing remarks, underscoring the ongoing efforts required to enhance the lives of marginalized groups. 

Throughout the launch, the prevailing message emphasized the desire for a society where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live comfortably and safely. The event also paid tribute to the late LGBT pioneer and advocate, Darcy Dear, commemorating their contributions.

Pride Barbados 2023 promises a month-long celebration, and the organizers extend an invitation to the public to participate in the activities, promoting equality, love, and respect for all.